Texas 1L taking questions, 2010-'11 edition Forum

[philosoraptor]

Having spent a mere few weeks in this lovely state, I am officially an expert on UT and Austin. Happy to answer questions about anything except our football team's temporary lack of skill.

[adrib]

Having spent a mere few weeks in this lovely state, I am officially an expert on UT and Austin. Happy to answer questions about anything except our football team's temporary lack of skill.

philosoraptor! i don't think i ever met you i've no comments on our team, either, except that i love them no matter what (and know that they'll shape up before lawl skool is over).

[BruceWayne]

Having spent a mere few weeks in this lovely state, I am officially an expert on UT and Austin. Happy to answer questions about anything except our football team's temporary lack of skill.

You've gotten spoiled by Mack Brown friend.

[philosoraptor]

philosoraptor! i don't think i ever met you i've no comments on our team, either, except that i love them no matter what (and know that they'll shape up before lawl skool is over).

What section are you in?

[Marionberry]

I'm sure people talk about their numbers much less after enrolling than before having been admitted, but to your knowledge are there any splitters in the class of 2013?

[adrib]

philosoraptor! i don't think i ever met you i've no comments on our team, either, except that i love them no matter what (and know that they'll shape up before lawl skool is over).

What section are you in?

1A you?

[ArchRoark]

I'm sure people talk about their numbers much less after enrolling than before having been admitted, but to your knowledge are there any splitters in the class of 2013?

+1

[005618502]

I am an undergrad here, I have heard that people are miserable at UT law. Is the the case? Do people seem very unhappy most of the time? (this is a serious question) My LSAT teacher said that people at UT and Georgetown were the most unhappy of students. He also said SMU were happiest so maybe the easier schooling can be the reason, but just curious.

On a much less serious note,
Edit: took out joking detail, But really do people in the law school look down on the undergrads? I guess you could say as being "unequal"

[Marionberry]

.

[005618502]

Haha really? why would you look at them like they are better then you? or was that a joke? Sorry for pulling out part before you responded

[Marionberry]

Because I would do unspeakable things to get into UT Law, and I am envious of them. I seriously currently spend about 40-50% of my waking life obsessing over whether or not I will get in, fluctuating between emotional extremes. If it get in it will literally be the happiest day of my life.

[005618502]

Because I would do unspeakable things to get into UT Law, and I am envious of them. I seriously currently spend about 40-50% of my waking life obsessing over whether or not I will get in, fluctuating between emotional extremes. If it get in it will literally be the happiest day of my life.

3.0 171, i think you have a decent chance. Do you go to UT now? I am assuming from your profile that you do. But best of luck!

[Marionberry]

Graduated last year, but still live in Austin. Back on topic: I fear I may have scared away the 1Ls with my, err...."enthusiasm". Seriously, though, i wouldn't do anything weird or violent to get in. I'm totally mostly often normal and I'm good about taking my meds. Honest.

Please shed any light you can on to the concerns of desperate 0L splitters. Please?

[JordynAsh]

I am an undergrad here, I have heard that people are miserable at UT law. Is the the case? Do people seem very unhappy most of the time? (this is a serious question) My LSAT teacher said that people at UT and Georgetown were the most unhappy of students. He also said SMU were happiest so maybe the easier schooling can be the reason, but just curious.

On a much less serious note,
Edit: took out joking detail, But really do people in the law school look down on the undergrads? I guess you could say as being "unequal"

UT 1L here. I can tell you I don't personally know of anyone who is "miserable." While I don't know many non-1Ls, the ones I know seem happy with UT and in general.

Also, EGREGIOUS SMU trolling combined with the faulty assumption that a school is "easier" simply because it is not as highly ranked.

[philosoraptor]

I'm sure people talk about their numbers much less after enrolling than before having been admitted, but to your knowledge are there any splitters in the class of 2013?

Yeah, I couldn't tell you any specific numbers, but UT's been known to be unkind to splitters. Last year LSN reports three admits under 3.4.

Not to disparage that particular group, but I think the GPA focus in admissions gives the school a very mature vibe. My classmates tend to be studious and driven; they're not the kinds of people who would slack through undergrad, kill the LSAT, and then expect to coast through law school. (Yes, I know slacking isn't the only reason for a low GPA.) At any rate, I know Dean Ingram is going to put together another great class this year, and if history is any guide, that unfortunately won't include a ton of splitters.

[philosoraptor]

I am an undergrad here, I have heard that people are miserable at UT law. Is the the case? Do people seem very unhappy most of the time? (this is a serious question) My LSAT teacher said that people at UT and Georgetown were the most unhappy of students. He also said SMU were happiest so maybe the easier schooling can be the reason, but just curious.

On a much less serious note,
Edit: took out joking detail, But really do people in the law school look down on the undergrads? I guess you could say as being "unequal"

I can't speak for the whole school, but my friends and I love being here. Although it's a big class (390 or so), they do an absolutely fantastic job of breaking us down into smaller groups and providing tons of bonding opportunities for small sections (~24 people) and societies (two small sections). They don't just throw us to the wolves. Even many of the 2Ls and 3Ls I've spoken are getting jobs and seem very happy with the opportunities UT has provided them. I myself am optimistic about the future, and that attitude seems to be prevalent among my colleagues. Maybe it's just because of the awesome weather.

As far as undergrads go, we don't get much opportunity to interact with them. I've met a few at church and whatnot, and they seem like a cool group. It's a fine undergrad school, so I do have some respect for that. When I was an undergrad I thought all the law students I met were total douches, so I understand the concern. If you've had a bad experience talking to law students here, it's probably just because we're way busier than you.

[philosoraptor]

1A you?

3A. I know only a couple people in section 1, I think.

[Marionberry]

Who do you have for Criminal Law and Con Law?

[philosoraptor]

Do you get the impression that their admissions process is extremely numbers/rankings driven like some, or that they place some value on maturity/experience/diversity?

Obviously, it's going to be primarily numbers driven, but wondering if most of your class is people who were powerhouses in undergrad/lsat or do they seem to have more varied interests and passions outside of school?

It varies. I worked for two years after undergrad, and that seems to be pretty standard -- some people did very interesting things. But a fair number came straight through. If you can stand it, I'd recommend waiting (working) for at least a year to catch your breath after undergrad. It's done wonders for my focus and motivation.

Also, who do you have for Crim Law and Con Law?

I have civ pro (Mullenix, who's awesome), contracts (Golden, who's ... interesting) and property (Smith, who rocks) this semester. Next term I'll have Graglia for con law and Laurin for crim.

[Stephanie13]

You might not know this directly but how do transfers fare at Texas?

[philosoraptor]

You might not know this directly but how do transfers fare at Texas?

From what I've heard, transfers are almost exclusively Texas residents. Job-wise, I don't know.

[Stephanie13]

You might not know this directly but how do transfers fare at Texas?

From what I've heard, transfers are almost exclusively Texas residents. Job-wise, I don't know.

That makes sense. Thanks anyway!

[de5igual]

But really do people in the law school look down on the undergrads? I guess you could say as being "unequal"

I wouldn't really call it "unequal," or that they look down on the undergrads, per se. undergrads and grad students are just on two very different pages in life. A substantial (if not majority) of grad students are a few/several years separated from undergrad, and as a result, have gained a lot of life experiences. Ask any law student, med student, b-school student, masters/phd candidate, and heck, even anyone working a few years out from undergrad, and almost all would rather avoid undergrads.

[005618502]

But really do people in the law school look down on the undergrads? I guess you could say as being "unequal"

I wouldn't really call it "unequal," or that they look down on the undergrads, per se. undergrads and grad students are just on two very different pages in life. A substantial (if not majority) of grad students are a few/several years separated from undergrad, and as a result, have gained a lot of life experiences. Ask any law student, med student, b-school student, masters/phd candidate, and heck, even anyone working a few years out from undergrad, and almost all would rather avoid undergrads.

I could see this... definitely

[akili]

I'm a resident and hoping to attend next year. Does my resident status give me any sort of boost? I know about the 65/35 quota, but I'm wondering if it could actually give me a leg up. Also, would visiting be helpful?